This year, PI has put special emphasis on creating and updating resources for members of the community. This article highlights new resources such as specifications, test tools, and white papers. You can view the complete list and download them here.

Sometimes you get the feeling that it’s almost good etiquette for work to be delayed on large-scale projects. It doesn’t have to be this way, though, as shown by results from the 2-wire Ethernet solution for process automation: Ethernet APL (Advanced Physical Layer).

Ethernet is the de-facto communication standard in enterprises, but it does not meet process automation requirements without modification. Ethernet-APL will enable long cable lengths and explosion protection via intrinsic safety with communication and power over two wires.

My momma raised me right. Growing up, she taught me there are certain topics you avoid expressing your opinions on to just anybody. Those were: religion, politics, and cybersecurity ?. Nowadays though, it’s hard to avoid talking about these topics. Welcome to this security-focused issue of PROFINEWS.

It is not sufficient simply to protect plant networks and automation components, rather the protective mechanisms and concepts must not interfere with a running production operation. Additional measures will now supplement the proven IT security concept for PROFINET.